RJA #13c

Application Project Example

URL: http://www.americanliterature.com/Hawthorne/SS/YoungGoodmanBrown.html

As an example for a short story, I looked at Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Although this story is unrelated to my topic, I can take a few things from it in regards to my own short story I will write. Most importantly, I learned a few things regarding format and organization. One thing I like about the format of this story is it provides mystery and build-up to the most important parts, or climax. I believe the subject of my own short story has a bit of mystery and build-up through all the factors, situations, etc. that may lead an athlete into a possible eating disorder. In turn, I can look at how this famous author does it and take tips to provide a compelling, and somewhat suspenseful tale that will impact its readers. Regarding organization, there is a clear: beginning, middle, and end. Although this may seem simple, it is key because without a concise organization readers will be left hanging, unsatisfied, and/or confused. I feel the quotes coming from the narrator and main characters throughout help suck the reader into the experiences. Keeping this in mind I plan to most definitely personalize the story with quotations and character narrations. I think this will help readers connect to the characters as well as be affected by what they read. Nathaniel Hawthorne's short story, Young Goodman Brown, is an excellent example of how it should be done.

RJA #13b

Application Project Plan

For the application project I plan on writing a short story. I intend to write from an internal perspective of a competitive athlete and their struggles to succeed at their multiple daily responsibilities. For better accuracy, I am going to use the first hand accounts I have found during research of athlete's struggles with eating disorders to depict a similar situation of events related to my paper. From their accounts I can create a similar story to show both the experiences and research I have thus far found. I want to especially focus on the lead-up to the disorder itself. I think this is a more important focus especially because my paper more closely looks at the reasons why athletes are more susceptible. I may also try to include some influences as well, such as, coaches, family, and teammates.

RJA #13a

Word Cloud

URL: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1952940/Athletes_at_Risk%3A_Competitive_Sports_and_Eating_Disorders

RJA #12b

Field Research Report

I performed a survey of 25 random people. All subjects were of various student ages on the Metropolitan campus. For each person I asked them these questions:

-Within your lifetime, have you known someone who has struggled with an eating disorder?

RESULTS:
11 out of 25 answered yes. 44% had known someone at one point with an eating disorder.

-Of those who answered yes to question 1, I then asked: was that person an athlete?

RESULTS:
2 out of 11 answered yes. 18.18% were athletes.

-Do you think competitive athletes are at greater risk for an eating disorder than the every-day individual?

RESULTS:
7 out of 25 answered yes. 28% believe athletes are at greater risk.

RJA #12a

Annotated Bibliography Part III

-"Eating Disorders in Athletes." FAQs.org. World of Sports Science. Web. 16 April 2010.

To begin with, there is no listed author for this website, which leaves me a little hestitant of the quality of information. FAQs.org seems to be a general knowledge page to give a basic summary or run-down on specific topics. Here, the site gave a pretty good idea of what an eating disorder is, and, more importantly, reasons why athletes are more susceptible to them. I liked that it talked about the personality of athletes and how that can be a contributing factor to their vulnerability to the illness. Another good part is that it addresses sports, such as gymnastics and running, who specifically have a higher incidence of eating disorders and why. The audience appears to be for anyone interested in the topic, with the information remaining objective throughout. I thought this source was of some use to me. It gave me good evidence and quotes for some of the key arguments within my paper.

-"Eating Disorder Statistics." South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Web. 16 April 2010.

Again this site did not have an immediate author. However, the information is provided by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, which supports its' credibility. The page bullets specific data and results regarding eating disorders. The main headings it includes statistics for are the prevalence of eating disorders, treatment, age most affected, racial and ethnic groups affected, and famous individuals who have struggled with either bulimia or anorexia. The audience is for anyone interested, and the site remains very objective. I like that the site bulleted each of their statistics. This made for easy and accessible data. I believe this site was of use to me, especially in trying to find the prevalence of the illness. I got some good information from here.

-"Eating Disorders." The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. Columbia University Press, 2007. Infoplease.com Web. 22 February 2010.

The information provided within this article has immediate credentialing because it is from the Columbia Encyclopedia. This source served as my reference article. As a whole, "Eating Disorders" summarized the basic information about the illnesses. The article talks about the definitions for the most common disorders, anorexia and bulimia, and who is most affected. It also talks about what some researchers believe regarding whether the disorders are caused by imbalances within the brain or from societal pressures. The audience is very broad, providing knowledge to anyone looking for it. As an encyclopedia article, the information is objective. I did not get much use out of this source. However, for basic knowledge it was a good place to start.

-Johnson, Craig, Powers, Pauline, and Dick, Randy. "Athletes and Eating Disorders: The National Collegiate Athletic Association Study." International Journal of Eating Disorders Vol. 26, Issue 2 (1999): 179-188. Web. 15 April 2010.

This source was an article from the International Journal of Eating Disorders. There are three authors, all of whom have a list of credentials. Immediately this article appears very reliable given both the author's credibility, as well as, the source it is published within. "Athletes and Eating Disorders" is summarizing the method, results, and discussion of a study they performed with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This was an excellent, well researched source that provided statistics to an in-depth study looking directly at athletes and eating disorders. The material is definitely reliable and the audience is for any researcher interested in the study. They presented their objectives and findings objectively. This source was of great use to me and very interesting!

-Quinn, Elizabeth. "Eating Disorders in Athletes." About.com Guide, 13 February 2008. Web. 13 April 2010.

At first glance, I could not find any credentialing for the author, Elizabeth Quinn. However, after closer look I found a link that provided more information on the author. Quinn is a sport's psychologist and fitness consultant, which gives validity to her article. This article provides an overall look at athletes and their connection to eating disorders. She further discusses the "female athlete triad" which is of prominent importance to the topic. Finally, there is a section about warning signs and getting help. The information provided seems to be both objective and reliable. I found a few good pieces of evidence from this website.

-Thompson, Colleen. "Athletes." Mirror-mirror.org, 28 August 2009. Web. 8 February 2010.

Although the author does not provide any credentialing of her own here, she does provide a list of references at the end of the page. This shows the article was probably researched to provide credible information. This source was a little unique in that it provided examples of athletes who have personally struggled with eating disorders. The stories gave a more personal touch to the article, however, it in turn may not be as objective as the others. Various statistics were also provided throughout, which provided me with some good quotations throughout my paper. I found this source useful.

-Waltz, Vicky. "Athletes and Eating Disorders." BU Today. 17 December 2009. Web. 15 February 2010.

This article I found from BU Today was one of the best I found. It began with the story of one of the universities best athletes, David Proctor, and his struggle with anorexia. The article then follows with discussions of why athletes may succumb more easily to the illness than average individuals. Throughout Waltz provides a few quotes from qualified individuals, which aids in providing credibility to her article. I found some great information in this article and thought it was an interesting read.

RJA #11

Annotated Bibliography Part II

-Caffrey, Lee. "What is the Prevalence of Eating Disorders Among Female Athletes?" About.com. Vanderbilt University, 27 April 1997. Web. 12 April 2010.

This paper is from the Department of Psychology within Vanderbilt University. Taking a more specific look at the female athlete, this source details what the female athlete triad is, as well as, reasoning and data to why women athletes are at greater risk for eating disorders. There is also sections for the comparison of athletes to the general population, and signs, tips, etc. for coaches. While the author himself lists no personal credentials, there is a thorough list of references following the conclusion. All evidence provided is followed with the appropriate citation to give some credibility to his statements. Throughout there are some good pieces of information, but, as a whole, this source is low on my list. This is mainly due to my issues with the possible credibility of the author. I am not sure whether the author is a professor or student, but without knowing more information I am skeptical to use the research. Also, while there are some good pieces of research in this, it is all information I have found in other, more reliable sources. The audience seems to be for anyone interested and the reading level is easy. Overall, I do not feel this resource will be of much use to me.

-"Eating Disorders: Are Coaches to Blame?" Int. J Sports Med 26 (2005): 693-700. Web. 12 April 2010.

The article, "Eating Disorders: Are Coaches to Blame?," does not list an immediate author, but does reference the journal from which it was found. Covering research done in Spain, the article shows new findings concerning athletes and their link to eating disorders. Immediately this article provides good data from performed research. Because this article comes from a medical journal, I believe the information to be reliable. I have found some great evidence here and think the source will be of some use to my paper.

-Hellmich, Nanci. "Athletes' Hunger to Win Fuels Eating Disorders." USA Today. USA Today, 5 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 April 2010.

This source is an article in USA Today beginning with the story of a particular athlete, Kimiko Soldati. While it may not be as objective as my other sources, it provides good statistical information, as well as, reliable references. The article recaps the story of gymnast Soldati before jumping into statistical data, specific high risk sports, and a closer look at the dangerous eating practices of some athletes. Besides the athlete herself, medical professionals are referenced and quoted giving credentials to the information provided. The intended audience appears to be anyone interested or concerned with the issue. This source will provide a different aspect of research to my data. It gives a personal story along with the numbers and catches a reader's attention. I believe this article will be of much use to me.

-Holliman, Susan. Eating Disorders and Athletes: A Handbook for Coaches. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 1991. Print.

Immediately, within the preface, I find the purpose of the book stated for those, "who want to better understand the issue of eating disorders and athletes" (v). The audience is clearly for those dealing with or concerned about athletes. This book covers everything from why athletes are susceptible to eating disorders, to the basic information of the eating disorder itself, to the strategies for prevention and intervention. Remaining objective throughout, the book is broken into chapters, then appendixes for quick survey or research results. The information presented is clearly supported with a thorough list of references as well as statistical data I have not found in previous print resources. I really like the way this book is organized. It makes for an easy access look at either various pieces of information or a more specific search. Thus far, this source has been the most helpful to me. I love that this book also provides data for surveys and research that has been performed. The information within this handbook will provide my paper with some great evidence.

-Michel, Deborah and Willard, Susan. When Dieting Becomes Dangerous. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003. Print.

This book, When Dieting Becomes Dangerous, is an overall look at understanding and treating eating disorders, such as, anorexia and bulimia. Both contributing authors have credibility to their name with Michel holding a Ph.D. and Willard having an L.C.S.W. (licensed clinical social worker). Within the preface, it states the author's clinical experiences have alerted them to the need to help those affected by eating disorders and, in turn, the book is a compilation of their knowledge on the subject. This clearly states the purpose of their venture including the intended audience for those seeking knowledge concerning eating disorders. I believe the book is a reliable source for information given the researched background to the knowledge they provide. Also, the credentials of the authors themselves is a good sign. Overall, the source has proven somewhat useful to me. Of the entire book, there is a small section more closely related to my paper on athletes and eating disorders. Otherwise, eating disorders themselves are looked at in their multiple realms on a less specific scale.

RJA #10c

Ideas for Application Project:

-Short story: of athlete with an eating disorder.

-Scene for a play: dialogue between athlete and coach.

-Personal letter to family: athlete dealing with the pressures of the sport.

-News article: on athletes and eating disorders.

RJA #10b

Progress Report for Argumentative Paper

Accomplished:

-Have read and marked about half of my sources.

-Have done a basic outline.

-Have found evidence/quotes to shape my argument.

Need to Do:

-Refine my outline and make it longer: by 4/7

-Finish going through my remaining sources: by 4/10

-Do an interview: by 4/12

-Write a rough draft of paper: by 4/15 (actually due 4/16)

-Write a bibliography: by 4/16

RJA #10a

Annotated Bibliography, Part 1

-Diamant, Louis. Psychology of Sports, Exercise, and Fitness. New York: Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, 1991. Print.

Composed from the information and knowledge of various resources, the book, Psychology of Sports, Exercise, and Fitness, was well researched. The editor, Louis Diamant, is a professor in the Department of Psychology for the University of North Carolina. Her credentials give support to her discussions regarding psychology and sports. Immediately, within the first few pages, a list of contributers is given. Again this shows the credibility of both the source and the research found within its' pages. Of the books I have looked at thus far, I have found this one to be of much use. Not only does it discuss the links between psychology, sports, and eating disorders, but it also provides data from performed research on animals, through surveys, and more. The information is very reliable, providing appropriate citation of data-based research when needed. Also, the list of contributors at the beginning provides both the names and scholastic credentials to back up the validity of the source. I believe this book does a good job at staying objective with a goal to merely explore the topic of sports and psychology. The source has proved very helpful to me, giving me many good pieces of evidence for my argumentative paper. I would recommend this book for research.

-Ruud, Jaime S. Nutrition and the Female Athlete. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1996. Print.

Jaime S. Ruud, author of Nutrition and the Female Athlete is a Nutrition Consultant out of Lincoln, Nebraska. This book is a part of a series of sources on nutrition in exercise and sports. Within the series preface, it states that these books are to provide a stage to examine the scholarly aspects of the topic at hand. It also mentions that contributors are welcome from any bona fide area of nutrition or athletics. This statement makes me a little skeptical as to the reliability of the information. As an aspiring dietitian, I have learned that any single person can call themselves a Nutritionist without much or any credentials. Because the author lists herself as a Nutrition Consultant, I am not sure of the validity of the research provided in this source. Also, there is no list of references or resources to further support her information. I have found a few useful pieces of information within this source. However, I do not believe it compares as well to the other sources I have. On a positive note, the source remains objective in tone and presentation throughout. The author presents information without any sense of bias or agenda. This book is not of the most helpful I have found, but I can still use some quotes from it.

-Costin, Carolyn. 100 Questions and Answers About Eating Disorders. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2007. Print.

Author, Carolyn Costin, is a licensed Marraige and Family Therapist who has been treating eating disorders since 1977. She also tells readers of her own personal struggle with anorexia nervosa in her younger years. Since, she has founded the Eating Disorder Center of California. All of Costin's accomplishments and experiences give validity to her information as an author on the subject. I, in turn, believe the source to be reliable. This book is useful in the overall knowledge, background, types, etc. of eating disorders. While remaining mostly objective when providing facts regarding the topic, it is obvious of her bias given her own personal struggle with the issue. However, I do not believe this effects the quality of the book. The goal of 100 Questions and Answers About Eating Disorders is to be a source of information for those needing to know more about the various types of eating disorders. This book is helpful to me in setting a base to my paper. I will be able to use it for quotes and the full understanding of what an eating disorder really is.